According to Forbes.com, the Rays franchise is now worth $451 million, up 40% from a year ago. Only the Oakland A’s (+46%) and Pittsburgh Pirates (+43%) posted larger jumps in value. However, the Rays are still last among all teams, $6 million behind the Kansas City Royals. The New York Yankees top the list at $2.3 billion, up 24% from a year ago.

But more importantly, the value of the franchise has more than doubled since Stuart Sternberg took over control of the team in 2006. At that time, the Rays were valued at just $209 million. Prior to this year, the value of the franchise had seemingly plateaued, going nearly unchanged for three years. However, increases in revenue across Major League Baseball, especially with television contracts has made all teams more valuable than ever…

But don't ask Stuie to spend 2% of it to sign a real hitter....hes got to watch his ANNUAL bottom line, get used to it...if he owns the team 10 years from now it will be worth $1bil and he will still be paying $5mil for a DH or catcher..and telling you he has to watch his payroll....Welcome Home.....Fans